Method for preparing hybrid supported metallocene catalyst

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst by using two or more different types of metallocene compounds. One type of the metallocene compounds shows a high polymerization activity even when it is supported, and thus the catalyst has an excellent activity and can be utilized in the polymerization of olefinic polymers having ultra-high molecular weight. Based on the hybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained according to the preparation method of the present invention, an olefinic polymer having high molecular weight and the desired physical property can be prepared.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hybridsupported metallocene catalyst. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocenecatalyst that can be used in the preparation of an olefinic polymer.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2013-0124517 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office onOct. 18, 2013 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0138347 filedwith the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Oct. 14, 2014, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

(B) Description of the Related Art

Olefin polymerization catalyst systems can be classified intoZiegler-Natta and metallocene catalyst systems, and these highly activecatalyst systems have been developed in compliance with theircharacteristics. Ziegler-Natta catalyst has been widely applied toexisting commercial processes since it was developed in the 1950's.However, since the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is a multi-active sitecatalyst in which a plurality of active sites are mixed, it has afeature that molecular weight distribution is broad. Also, sincecompositional distribution of comonomers is not uniform, there is aproblem that it has a limitation to secure the desired physicalproperties.

Meanwhile, the metallocence catalyst includes a main catalyst whose maincomponent is a transition metal compound, and an organometallic compoundcocatalyst whose main component is aluminium. Such a catalyst is asingle-site catalyst which is a homogeneous complex catalyst, and offersa polymer having a narrow molecular weight distribution and an uniformcomposition distribution of comonomers, depending on the single sitecharacteristics. The stereoregularity, copolymerizing properties,molecular weight, crystallinity and the like of the resulting polymercan be controlled by changing the ligand structure of the catalyst andthe polymerization condition.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,562 describes a method for preparing apolymerization catalyst by supporting two different transition metalcatalysts on one supported catalyst. This patent relates to a method forpreparing polymers having a bimodal distribution by supporting aTi-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst which produces a high molecular weightpolymer and a Zr-based metallocene catalyst which produces a lowmolecular weight polymer on one support, and has disadvantages in thatthe supporting procedure is complicated and the morphology of polymersis deteriorated due to a cocatalyst.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,525,678 discloses a process for using a catalyst systemfor olefin polymerization in which a metallocene compound and anon-metallocene compound can be simultaneously supported on a support tosimultaneously polymerize a high molecular weight polymer and a lowmolecular weight polymer. However, this patent has disadvantages in thatthe metallocene compound and the non-metallocene compound must beseparately supported and the support must be pre-treated with variouscompounds for the supporting reaction.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,289 discloses a method of controlling the molecularweight and the molecular weight distribution of polymers usingmetallocene catalysts which are respectively supported on supports.However, a large amount of solvent and a long period of time arerequired to prepare the supported catalysts, and the process ofsupporting metallocene catalysts on the respective support istroublesome.

Korean Patent Application No. 2003-12308 discloses a method ofcontrolling the molecular weight distribution of polymers bypolymerizing while changing a combination of catalysts in a reactor bysupporting a bi-nuclear metallocnene catalyst and a mononuclearmetallocene catalyst on a support with an activator. However, thismethod has a limitation to simultaneously secure the properties of therespective catalysts. In addition, there is a disadvantage that ametallocene catalyst portion is departed from a supported catalyst tocause fouling in the reactor.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages, there isa need to develop a method for preparing olefinic polymers with thedesired physical properties by easily preparing a supported hybridmetallocene catalyst having an excellent activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior arts, anobject of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing ahybrid supported metallocene catalyst capable of preparing an olefinicpolymer having excellent activity as well as high molecular weight anddesired physical properties.

Technical Solution

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides amethod for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst whichcomprises the steps of supporting a first cocatalyst compound on asupport;

supporting one or more first metallocene compounds represented by thefollowing Chemical Formula 1 and one or more second metallocenecompounds selected from the group consisting of the compoundsrepresented by the following Chemical Formulae 3 to 5 on the support onwhich the first cocatalyst compound has been supported; and

supporting a second cocatalyst compound on the support on which thefirst catalyst compound, the first metallocene compound and the secondmetallocene compound have been supported:

Chemical Formulae 1, 3, 4 and 5 will be described in detail below.

The hybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained by the preparationmethod according to the present invention includes two or more differenttypes of metallocene compounds. In particular, since one type of themetallocene compound uses a ligand compound forming a structure in whichan indenoindole derivative and/or a fluorene derivative are crosslinkedvia a bridge, this exhibits a high polymerization activity even whensupported, and thus it can be utilized in the polymerization of olefinicpolymers having ultra-high molecular weight and excellent activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the method for preparing the hybrid supported metallocenecatalyst according to specific embodiments of the present invention willbe described in detail.

The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention comprises the steps of

supporting a first cocatalyst compound on a support;

supporting one or more first metallocene compound represented by thefollowing Chemical Formula 1 and one or more second metallocenecompounds selected from the group consisting of the compoundsrepresented by the following Chemical Formulae 3 to 5 on the support onwhich the first cocatalyst compound has been supported; and

supporting a second cocatalyst compound on the support on which thefirst cocatalyst compound, the first metallocene compound and the secondmetallocene compound have been supported:

in Chemical Formula 1,

A is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, C₁-C₂₀alkoxy group, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl group, C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group,or C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group;

D is —O—, —S—, —N(R)—, or —Si(R)(R′)—, wherein R and R′ are same as ordifferent from each other and each is independently hydrogen, halogen,C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or C₆-C₂₀ aryl group;

L is C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkylene group;

B is carbon, silicon, or germanium;

Q is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group;

M is a Group 4 transition metal;

X¹ and X² are same as or different from each other and each isindependently halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀aryl group, nitro group, amido group, C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, C₁-C₂₀alkoxy group, or C₁-C₂₀ sulfonate group;

C¹ and C² are same as or different from each other and each isindependently represented by any one of the following Chemical Formula2a, Chemical Formula 2b or Chemical Formula 2c, provided that both of C¹and C² are not represented by the following Chemical Formula 2c:

in Chemical Formulae 2a, 2b and 2c, R₁ to R₁₇ and R₁′ to R₉′ are same asor different from each other and each is independently hydrogen,halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilylgroup, C₁-C₂₀ silylalkyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxysilyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxygroup, C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or C₇-C₂₀ arylalkylgroup, wherein two or more adjacent groups among R₁₀ to R₁₇ may beconnected together to form substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic oraromatic ring;

(Cp¹R^(a))_(n)(Cp²R^(b))M¹Z¹ _(3-n)  [Chemical Formula 3]

in Chemical Formula 3,

M¹ is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp¹ and Cp² are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently any one selected from the group consisting ofcyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl, and fluorenylradical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20carbon atoms;

R^(a) and R^(b) are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z¹ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy; and

n is 1 or 0;

(Cp³R^(c))_(m)B¹(Cp⁴R^(d))M²Z² _(3-m)  [Chemical Formula 4]

in Chemical Formula 4,

M² is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp³ and Cp⁴ are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently any one selected from the group consisting ofcyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenylradical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20carbon atoms;

R^(c) and R^(d) are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z² is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy;

B¹ is one or more selected from the radicals containing carbon,germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslinkCp³R^(c) ring to Cp⁴R^(d) ring, or crosslink one Cp⁴R^(d) ring to M², orcombinations thereof, and

m is 1 or 0;

(Cp⁵R^(e))B²(J)M³Z³ ₂  [Chemical Formula 5]

in Chemical Formula 5,

M³ is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp⁵ is any one selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl,indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenyl radical, each ofwhich may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

R^(e) is hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z³ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy;

B² is one or more selected from the radicals containing carbon,germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslinkCp⁵R^(e) ring to J, or combinations thereof; and

J is any one selected from the group consisting of NR^(f), O, PR^(f) andS, wherein R^(f) is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substitutedaryl.

In the hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to the presentinvention, the substituents of Chemical Formulae 1, 3, 4 and 5 are morespecifically explained as follows.

The C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group may include a linear or branched alkyl group, andspecific example thereof may include methyl group, ethyl group, propylgroup, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group,hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, and the like, but is not limitedthereto.

The C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group may include a linear or branched alkenyl group,and specific example thereof may include allyl group, ethenyl group,propenyl group, butenyl group, pentenyl group, and the like, but is notlimited thereto.

The C₆-C₂₀ aryl group may include a single ring aryl group or acondensed ring aryl group, and specific example thereof may includephenyl group, biphenyl group, naphthyl group, phenanthrenyl group,fluorenyl group, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

The C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group may include a single ring heteroaryl groupor a condensed ring heteroaryl group, and specific example thereof mayinclude carbazolyl group, pyridyl group, quinoline group, isoquinolinegroup, thiophenyl group, furanyl group, imidazole group, oxazolyl group,thiazolyl group, triazine group, tetrahydropyranyl group,tetrahydrofuranyl group, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

The C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group may include methoxy group, ethoxy group,phenyloxy group, cyclohexyloxy group, and the like, but is not limitedthereto.

The Group 4 transition metal may include titanium, zirconium, hafnium,and the like, but is not limited thereto.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, it is more preferable that R₁ to R₁₇and R₁′ to R₉′ in Chemical Formulae 2a, 2b and 2c are each independentlyhydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group,n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptylgroup, octyl group, phenyl group, halogen group, trimethylsilyl group,triethylsilyl group, tripropylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group,triisopropylsilyl group, trimethylsilylmethyl group, methoxy group, orethoxy group, however, it is not limited thereto.

It is more preferable that L in Chemical Formula 1 is a linear orbranched C₄-C₈ alkylene group, however, it is not limited thereto.Furthermore, the alkylene group may be unsubstituted or substituted byC₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or C₆-C₂₀ aryl group.

Also, it is preferable that A in Chemical Formula 1 is hydrogen, methylgroup, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group,tert-butyl group, methoxymethyl group, tert-butoxymethyl group,1-ethoxyethyl group, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl group, tetrahydropyranylgroup, or tetrahydrofuranyl group, however, it is not limited thereto.

Also, it is preferable that B in Chemical Formula 1 is silicon, however,it is not limited thereto.

Because the first metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 includesthe structure in which an indenoindole derivative and/or a fluorenederivative are crosslinked via a bridge and has an unshared electronpair capable of acting as a Lewis base in the ligand structure, it issupported on the surface of a support having a Lewis acid character toshow a high polymerization activity even when supported. Furthermore, itis superior in activity because of including the electron-richindenoindole group and/or fluorene group. In addition, due to a propersteric hindrance and an electronic effect of the ligand, it is low inhydrogen reactivity and also maintains a high activity even in thepresence of hydrogen. Further, it can be used for preparing an olefinicpolymer of ultra-high molecular weight because nitrogen atom of theindenoindole derivative stabilizes the beta-hydrogen of growing polymerchain with a hydrogen bond and inhibits beta-hydrogen elimination.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific examplesof the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2a may include one ofthe compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however,it is not limited thereto:

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific examplesof the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2b may include one ofthe compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however,it is not limited thereto:

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific examplesof the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2c may include one ofthe compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however,it is not limited thereto:

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific examplesof the first metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 maybe one of the compounds represented by the following structuralformulae, however, it is not limited thereto:

The first metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 has a superioractivity, and can polymerize an olefinic polymer having high molecularweight. In particular, it can show a high polymerization activity evenwhen it is used in the state of being supported on a support. Therefore,it can prepare a polyolefinic polymer of ultra-high molecular weight.

Also, even when the polymerization reaction is carried out in thepresence of hydrogen in order to prepare an olefinic polymer having highmolecular weight and broad molecular weight distribution at the sametime, the first metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 according tothe present invention shows a low hydrogen reactivity and thus canpolymerize an olefinic polymer of ultra-high molecular weight still witha high activity. Therefore, even when it is used as a hybrid with acatalyst having different characteristics, it can prepare an olefinicpolymer satisfying the characteristics of high molecular weight withoutlowering of its activity, resulting in the easy preparation of anolefinic polymer containing the olefinic polymer having high molecularweight and broad molecular weight distribution together.

The first metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 may be obtained byconnecting an indenoindole derivative and/or a fluorene derivative via abridge compound to prepare a ligand compound, and then by introducing ametal precursor compound therein to perform a metallation. The methodfor preparing the first metallocene compound will be specificallyexplained in the examples to be described below.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, the second metallocene compound maybe one or more selected among the compounds of Chemical Formulae 3 to 5:

(Cp¹R^(a))_(n)(Cp²R^(b))M¹Z¹ _(3-n)  [Chemical Formula 3]

in Chemical Formula 3,

M¹ is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp¹ and Cp² are same as or different from each other and are eachindependently any one selected from the group consisting ofcyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl, and fluorenylradical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20carbon atoms;

R^(a) and R^(b) are same as or different from each other and are eachindependently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z¹ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy; and

n is 1 or 0;

(Cp³R^(c))_(m)B¹(Cp⁴R^(d))M²Z² _(3-m)  [Chemical Formula 4]

in Chemical Formula 4,

M² is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp³ and Cp⁴ are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently any one selected from the group consisting ofcyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenylradical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20carbon atoms;

R^(c) and R^(d) are same as or different from each other, and eachindependently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z² is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy;

B¹ is one or more selected among the radicals containing carbon,germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslinkCp³R^(c) ring to Cp⁴R^(d) ring or crosslink one Cp⁴R^(d) ring to M², orcombinations thereof; and

m is 1 or 0;

(Cp⁵R^(e))B²(J)M³Z³ ₂  [Chemical Formula 5]

in Chemical Formula 5,

M³ is a Group 4 transition metal;

Cp⁵ is any one selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl,indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenyl radical, each ofwhich may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20 carbon atoms;

R^(e) is hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl,C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl;

Z³ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl,C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy;

B² is one or more selected among the radicals containing carbon,germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslinkCp⁵R^(e) ring to J, or combinations thereof and

J is any one selected from the group consisting of NR^(f), O, PR^(f) andS, wherein R^(f) is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substitutedaryl.

In Chemical Formula 4, when m is 1, it means a bridge compound structurewherein Cp³R^(c) ring and Cp⁴R^(d) ring or Cp⁴R^(d) ring and M² arecrosslinked via B¹. When m is 0, it means a non-crosslinked compoundstructure.

The specific example of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3may be one of the compounds represented by the following structuralformulae, however, it is not limited to thereto:

The specific examples of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 4may be one of the compounds represented by the following structuralformulae, however, it is not limited thereto:

Also, specific examples of the compound represented by Chemical Formula5 may be one of the compounds represented by the following structuralformulae, however, it is not limited thereto:

The above hybrid supported metallocene catalyst is prepared bysupporting one or more first metallocene compounds represented byChemical Formula 1 and one or more second metallocene compounds selectedamong the compounds represented by Chemical Formula 3 to ChemicalFormula 5 on a support with a cocatalyst compound.

In the above-described hybrid supported metallocene catalyst, the firstmetallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 may mainlycontribute to prepare copolymers having high molecular weight and highSCB (short chain branch) content, and the second metallocene compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula 3 may mainly contribute to preparecopolymers having low molecular weight and low SCB content. Also, thesecond metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 4 orChemical Formula 5 may contribute to prepare copolymers having lowmolecular weight and medium SCB content.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hybridsupported metallocene catalyst may include one or more first metallocenecompounds represented by Chemical Formula 1 and one or more secondmetallocene compounds represented by Chemical Formula 3.

According to another e embodiment of the present invention, the hybridsupported metallocene catalyst may include one or more secondmetallocene compounds represented by Chemical Formula 4 or ChemicalFormula 5, in addition to one or more first metallocene compoundsrepresented by Chemical Formula 1 and one or more second metallocenecompounds represented by Chemical Formula 3.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, since the first metallocene compoundforms a ligand structure in which an indenoindole derivative and afluorene derivative are crosslinked via a bridge compound and has anunshared electron pair capable of acting as a Lewis base in the ligandstructure, it is supported on the surface of a support having a Lewisacid character to show a high polymerization activity even whensupported. Furthermore, it is superior in activity because of includingthe electron-rich indenoindole group and/or fluorene group. In addition,due to a proper steric hindrance and an electronic effect of the ligand,it is low in hydrogen reactivity and also maintains a high activity evenin the presence of hydrogen. Therefore, when a hybrid supportedmetallocene catalyst is prepared using such a transition metal compound,an olefinic polymer of ultra-high molecular weight can be obtainedbecause nitrogen atom of the indenoindole derivative stabilizes thebeta-hydrogen of growing polymer chain with a hydrogen bond.

Also, the hybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained by the methodof the present invention includes the first metallocene compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula 1 and the second metallocene compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula 3 to Chemical Formula 5. Thus, as thehybrid supported metallocene catalyst includes two or more differenttypes of the metallocene compounds, it is possible to prepare not onlyan olefinic copolymer having high SCB content and high molecular weightbut also an olefinic copolymer having excellent physical property andworkability due to its broad molecular weight distribution.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, the cocatalyst which is supportedtogether on a support to activate the metallocene compound is an organicmetal compound containing a Group 13 metal. The cocatalyst compound isnot particularly limited as long as it can be used for thepolymerization of olefin in the presence of a typical metallocenecatalyst.

Specifically, the cocatalyst compound may comprise one or more of thefirst aluminum-containing cocatalyst represented by the followingChemical Formula 6 and the second borate-based cocatalyst represented bythe following Chemical Formula 7:

—[Al(R₁₈)—O—]_(k)—  [Chemical Formula 6]

in Chemical Formula 6, each of R₁₈ is independently halogen, orunsubstituted or halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 20carbon atoms; and k is an integer of 2 or more.

T⁺[BG₄]⁻  [Chemical Formula 7]

in Chemical Formula 7, T⁺ is a monovalent polyatomic ion, B is boron inan oxidation state of +3, and each of G is independently selected fromthe group consisting of hydride group, dialkylamido group, halide group,alkoxide group, aryloxide group, hydrocarbyl group, halocarbyl group andhalo-substituted hydrocarbyl group, wherein G has less than 20 carbonatoms, provided that G is halide group at one or less position.

Using the first and the second cocatalysts as above, the polyolefinsfinally prepared may have more uniform molecular weight distribution,while the polymerization activity can be enhanced.

The first cocatalyst represented by Chemical Formula 6 may be analkylaluminoxane-based compound wherein the repeating units are combinedinto a linear, circular or network structure. Specific examples of thefirst cocatalyst include methylaluminoxane (MAO), ethylaluminoxane,isobutylaluminoxane, butylaluminoxane, and the like.

Also, the second cocatalyst represented by Chemical Formula 7 may be aborate-based compound in the form of a trisubstituted ammonium salt, adialkyl ammonium salt, or a trisubstituted phosphonium salt. Specificexamples of the second cocatalyst include a borate-based compound in theform of a trisubstituted ammonium salt such as trimethylammoniumtetraphenylborate, methyldioctadecylammonium tetraphenylborate,triethylammonium tetraphenylborate, tripropylammonium tetraphenylborate,tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetraphenylborate,methyltetradecyclooctadecylammonium tetraphenylborate,N,N-dimethylanilium tetraphenylborate, N,N-diethylaniliumtetraphenylborate,N,N-dimethyl(2,4,6-trimethylanilium)tetraphenylborate, trimethylammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, methylditetradecylammoniumtetrakis(pentaphenyl)borate, methyldioctadecylammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, triethylammonium,tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,tripropylammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, tri(n-butyl)ammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,tri(secondary-butyl)ammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-dimethylanilium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-diethylaniliumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-dimethyl(2,4,6-trimethylanilium)tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,trimethylammoniumtetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,triethylammonium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,tripropylammonium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-,tetrafluorophenyl)borate,dimethyl(t-butyl)ammonium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-dimethylanilium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-diethylanilium tetrakis(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,N,N-dimethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylanilium)tetrakis-(2,3,4,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate,and the like; a borate-based compound in the form of a dialkylammoniumsalt such as dioctadecylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,ditetradecylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,dicyclohexylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, and the like; ora borate-based compound in the form of a trisubstituted phosphonium saltsuch as triphenylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,methyldioctadecylphosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate ortri(2,6-dimethylphenyl)phosphonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate,and the like.

The hybrid supported metallocene catalyst as stated above is prepared bya step of supporting the first cocatalyst compound on a support; a stepof supporting one or more of the first metallocene compound representedby Chemical Formula 1 and one or more of the second metallocene compoundselected among the compounds represented by Chemical Formulae 3 to 5 onthe support on which the first cocatalyst compound has been supported;and a step of supporting the second cocatalyst compound on the supporton which the first cocatalyst compound, the first metallocene compoundand the second metallocene compound have been supported.

In other words, the first cocatalyst compound represented by ChemicalFormula 6 is first supported on a support prepared. Thereafter, thefirst metallocene compound and the second metallocene compound aresupported on the support on which the first cocatalyst compound issupported. At this time, the order of supporting the first and thesecond metallocene compounds is not limited, and thus the firstmetallocene compound may be first supported or the second metallocenecompound may be first supported. Then, finally, the second cocatalystcompound represented by Chemical Formula 7 is supported on the supporton which all of the first cocatalyst compound, the first metallocenecompound, and the second metallocene compound have been supported.

As such, by supporting sequentially in the order of the first cocatalystcompound→the first and the second metallocene compounds→the secondcocatalyst compound, the earlier supported first cocatalyst compound isreacted in advance with the hydroxyl group on the surface of the supportand may help the preparation of uniform catalyst by acting as ascavenger for such contaminants as moisture and catalyst debris.Accordingly, a highly active supported catalyst may be prepared byreducing the possibility that the first and the second metallocenecatalysts which are supported after the first cocatalyst compound issupported are inactivated.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, the weight ratio between the wholetransition metals contained in the first metallocene compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula 1 and the second metallocene compoundsrepresented by Chemical Formulae 3 to 5 and the support may be 1:10 to1:1,000. When the catalyst contains the support and the metallocenecompounds in the above weight ratio, the optimum shape may be provided.

Also, the weight ratio of the cocatalyst compound to the support may be1:1 to 1:100. Also, the weight ratio of the first metallocene compoundrepresented by Chemical Formula 1 to the second metallocene compoundsrepresented by Chemical Formulae 3 to 5 may be 10:1 to 1:10 andpreferably 5:1 to 1:5. When the catalyst contains the cocatalyst and themetallocene compounds in the above ratio, it is possible to optimize theactivity and the polymer microstructure.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, as the support, a support containinga hydroxyl group on its surface may be used, and preferably a supportcontaining a highly reactive hydroxyl group and siloxane group, of whichsurface is dried to remove moisture, may be used.

For example, silica, silica-alumina, and silica-magnesia that are driedat a high temperature may be used, and they may usually contain oxides,carbonates, sulfates, and nitrates such as Na₂O, K₂CO₃, BaSO₄, Mg(NO₃)₂or the like.

The support is preferably dried at 200 to 800° C., more preferably at300 to 600° C., and most preferably at 300 to 400° C. If the dryingtemperature of the support is lower than 200° C., it retains moisturetoo much so that moisture on the surface is reacted with the cocatalyst.If the drying temperature is higher than 800° C., pores on the surfaceof the support are combined with each other to reduce surface area, andmany hydroxyl groups are lost on the surface to remain only siloxanegroups. Thus, since the reactive sites with cocatalyst are reduced, itis not preferable.

The amount of hydroxyl group on the surface of the support is preferably0.1 to 10 mmol/g, and more preferably 0.5 to 5 mmol/g. The amount ofhydroxyl group on the surface of the support may be controlled dependingon the preparation method and conditions of the support, or dryingconditions such as temperature, time, vacuum, spray drying, and thelike.

If the amount of hydroxyl group is less than 0.1 mmol/g, the reactivesites with cocatalyst are reduced. If the amount of hydroxyl group ismore than 10 mmol/g, it is not desirable because it may be caused bymoisture besides the hydroxyl groups present on the surface of supportparticles.

The hybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained by the preparationmethod of the present invention may be used for polymerization ofolefinic monomer as it stands. Also, the hybrid supported metallocenecatalyst according to the present invention may be prepared as apre-polymerized catalyst by contacting the catalyst with an olefinicmonomer. For example, it may be prepared as a pre-polymerized catalystby contacting the catalyst with an olefinic monomer such as ethylene,propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and the like.

In the method of preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalystaccording to the present invention, the order of performing the step ofsupporting the first metallocene compound and the step of supporting thesecond metallocene compound may be varied as needed. In other words,after supporting the first metallocene compound on the support first,the second metallocene compound may be additionally supported to preparethe hybrid supported metallocene catalyst. Alternatively, aftersupporting the second metallocene compound on the support first, thefirst metallocene compound may be additionally supported to prepare thehybrid supported metallocene catalyst.

The process for preparing the hybrid supported metallocene catalyst asabove may be carried out at a temperature of about 0 to about 100° C.under normal pressure, but is not limited thereto. The olefinic polymercan be prepared by polymerizing olefinic monomer in the presence of thehybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained according to thepreparation method of the present invention.

The olefinic monomer may include ethylene, alpha-olefin, cyclic olefin,diene olefin or triene olefin having two or more double bonds.

Specific examples of the olefinic monomer include ethylene, propylene,1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene,1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene,1-eicosene, norbornene, norbornadiene, ethylidenenorbornene,phenylnorbornene, vinylnorbornene, dicyclopentadiene, 1,4-butadiene,1,5-pentadiene, 1,6-hexadiene, styrene, alpha-methylstyrene,divinylbenzene, 3-chloromethylstyrene, and the like, and it is alsopossible to copolymerize by mixing two or more monomers thereof.

The polymerization reaction may be carried out by homopolymerizing onetype of olefinic monomer or copolymerizing two types or more ofmonomers, using a continuous slurry polymerization reactor, a loopslurry reactor, a gas phase reactor, or a solution reactor.

The hybrid supported metallocene catalyst can be used after beingdissolved or diluted in an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent having 5 to 12carbon atoms such as pentane, hexane, heptane, nonane, decane, andisomers thereof, an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent such as toluene andbenzene, or a hydrocarbon solvent substituted with chlorine atom such asdichloromethane and chlorobenzene. It is preferable that the solvent isused after a small amount of water, air or the like acting as a catalystpoison is removed by treating with a small amount of aluminum. It isalso possible to perform using an additional cocatalyst.

When an olefinic polymer is prepared using the hybrid supportedmetallocene catalyst obtained according to the preparation method of thepresent invention, an olefinic polymer having the broad molecular weightdistribution and the BOCD structure wherein the SCB content at the lowmolecular weight side is low and the SCB content at the high molecularweight side is high can be prepared. Thus, the olefinic polymer hasexcellent physical properties as well as excellent workability.

For example, the olefinic polymer prepared by using the hybrid supportedmetallocene catalyst obtained according to the preparation method of thepresent invention may have high weight average molecular weight of about300,000 or more, or about 350,000 or more.

Furthermore, the olefinic polymer prepared by using the hybrid supportedmetallocene catalyst obtained according to the preparation method of thepresent invention shows the broad molecular weight distribution (PDI) ofabout 3.0 to about 8.0, preferably about 4.0 to about 8.0 and morepreferably 5.0 to about 8.0, thereby providing excellent workability.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically explained by wayof the following examples. However, the examples of the presentinvention may be modified in various ways, and should not be construedas limiting the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES Preparation Examples of the First Metallocene CompoundPreparation Example 1

1-1 Preparation of Ligand Compound

Fluorene (2 g) was dissolved in MTBE (5 mL) and hexane (100 mL), and 2.5M n-BuLi hexane solution (5.5 mL) was added dropwise in a dryice/acetone bath and stirred overnight at room temperature.(6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane (3.6 g) was dissolved inhexane (50 mL), and fluorene-Li slurry was transferred under a dryice/acetone bath for 30 minutes and stirred overnight at roomtemperature. At the same time,5,8-dimethyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole (12 mmol, 2.8 g) was alsodissolved in THF (60 mL), and 2.5M n-BuLi hexane solution (5.5 mL) wasadded dropwise in a dry ice/acetone bath and stirred overnight at roomtemperature. The reaction solution of fluorene and(6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane was subjected to NMRsampling to confirm the completion of reaction. Thereafter, the5,8-dimethyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole-Li solution was transferredunder a dry ice/acetone bath and stirred overnight at room temperature.After reaction, the reaction mixture was extracted with ether/water andthe remaining moisture in the organic layer was removed with MgSO₄ togive the ligand compound (Mw 597.90, 12 mmol). It was confirmed by1H-NMR that two isomers were produced.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, d6-benzene): −0.30˜−0.18 (3H, d), 0.40 (2H, m),0.65˜1.45 (8H, m), 1.12 (9H, d), 2.36˜2.40 (3H, d), 3.17 (2H, m),3.41˜3.43 (3H, d), 4.17˜4.21 (1H, d), 4.34˜4.38 (1H, d), 6.90˜7.80 (15H,m)

1-2 Preparation of Metallocene Compound

The ligand compound synthesized in 1-1 above (7.2 g, 12 mmol) wasdissolved in diethylether (50 mL), and 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution(11.5 mL) was added dropwise in a dry ice/acetone bath and stirredovernight at room temperature. The mixture was dried under vacuum togive sticky oil having a brown color. This oil was dissolved in tolueneto give a slurry. ZrCl₄(THF)₂ was prepared, and toluene (50 mL) wasadded thereto to prepare a slurry. The toluene slurry of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ (50mL) was transferred in a dry ice/acetone bath. As the mixture wasstirred overnight at room temperature, the color was changed to violet.The reaction solution was filtered to remove LiCl. The filtrate wasdried under vacuum to remove toluene, hexane was added thereto, and themixture was sonicated for 1 hour. The slurry was filtered to give themetallocene compound (6 g, Mw 758.02, 7.92 mmol, Yield 66 mol %) havinga dark violet color as a filtered solid. Two isomers were observedthrough 1H-NMR.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 1.19 (9H, d), 1.71 (3H, d), 1.50˜1.70 (4H, m),1.79 (2H, m), 1.98˜2.19 (4H, m), 2.58 (3H, s), 3.38 (2H, m), 3.91 (3H,d), 6.66˜7.88 (15H, m)

Preparation Example 2

2-1 Preparation of Ligand Compound

To a 250 mL flask was introduced5-methyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole (2.63 g, 12 mmol), which wasthen dissolved in THF (50 mL). Then, 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution (6 mL)was added dropwise in a dry ice/acetone bath and stirred overnight atroom temperature. In another 250 mL flask,(6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane (1.62 g, 6 mmol) wasprepared by dissolving it in hexane (100 mL), which was then slowlyadded dropwise to a lithiated solution of5-methyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole under a dry ice/acetone bathand stirred overnight at room temperature. After reaction, the mixturewas extracted with ether/water. The organic layer was treated with MgSO₄to remove the remaining moisture and then dried under vacuum to give theligand compound (3.82 g, 6 mmol) which was confirmed by 1H-NMR.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): −0.33 (3H, m), 0.86˜1.53 (10H, m), 1.16 (9H,d), 3.18 (2H, m), 4.07 (3H, d), 4.12 (3H, d), 4.17 (1H, d), 4.25 (1H,d), 6.95˜7.92 (16H, m)

2-2 Preparation of Metallocene Compound

The ligand compound synthesized in 2-1 above (3.82 g, 6 mmol) wasdissolved in toluene (100 mL) and MTBE (5 mL), and then 2.5 M n-BuLihexane solution (5.6 mL, 14 mmol) was added dropwise in a dryice/acetone bath and stirred overnight at room temperature. In anotherflask, ZrCl₄(THF)₂ (2.26 g, 6 mmol) was prepared as a slurry by addingtoluene (100 mL). ZrCl₄(THF)₂ as a toluene slurry was transferred to thelitiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirredovernight at room temperature, and the color was changed to violet. Thereaction solution was filtered to remove LiCl. The filtrate thusobtained was dried under vacuum, hexane was added thereto, and themixture was sonicated. The slurry was filtered to give the metallocenecompound (3.40 g, Yield 71.1 mol %) having a dark violet color as afiltered solid.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): 1.74 (3H, d), 0.85˜2.33 (10H, m), 1.29 (9H, d),3.87 (3H, s), 3.92 (3H, s), 3.36 (2H, m), 6.48˜8.10 (16H, m)

Preparation Examples of the Second Metallocene Compound PreparationExample 3

t-Butyl-O—(CH₂)₆—Cl was prepared using 6-chlorohexanol according to themethod described in Tetrahedron Lett. 2951 (1988), and then reacted withNaCp to give t-Butyl-O—(CH₂)₆—C₅H₅(Yield 60%, b.p. 80° C./0.1 mmHg).

Also, t-Butyl-O—(CH₂)₆—C₅H₅ was dissolved in THF at −78° C., n-BuLi wasslowly added thereto, and the mixture was warmed to room temperature andthen reacted for 8 hours. Again at a temperature of −78° C., thusprepared lithium salt solution was slowly added up to a suspensionsolution of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ (1.70 g, 4.50 mmol)/THF (30 ml) and the mixturewas further reacted at room temperature for 6 hours.

All volatile substances were dried under vacuum and hexane solvent wasadded to the resulting oily liquid substance, which was then filtered.The filtrate was dried under vacuum, and hexane was added to induce aprecipitate at a low temperature (−20° C.). The resulting precipitatewas filtered at a low temperature to give [tBu-O—(CH₂)₆—C₅H₄]₂ZrCl₂compound (Yield 92%) as a white solid.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃): 6.28 (t, J=2.6 Hz, 2H), 6.19 (t, J=2.6 Hz, 2H),3.31 (t, 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.62 (t, J=8 Hz), 1.7-1.3 (m, 8H), 1.17 (s, 9H).

¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): 135.09, 116.66, 112.28, 72.42, 61.52, 30.66, 30.61,30.14, 29.18, 27.58, 26.00.

Preparation Example 4 Preparation of(tBu-O—(CH₂)₆)(CH₃)Si(C₅(CH₃)₄)(tBu-N)TiCl₂

After Mg(s) (50 g) was introduced to a 10 L reactor at room temperature,and THF (300 mL) was added thereto. After I₂ (about 0.5 g) was added,the reactor was maintained at a temperature of 50° C. When thetemperature of the reactor was stabilized, 6-t-butoxyhexyl chloride (250g) was added to the reactor at a rate of 5 mL/min using a feeding pump.As 6-t-butoxyhexyl chloride was added, it was observed that thetemperature of the reactor was elevated to about 4 to 5° C. The mixturewas stirred for 12 hours while continuously adding 6-t-butoxyhexylchloride. After the reaction for 12 hours, the black reaction solutionwas produced. 2 mL of this black solution was taken to which water wasadded to obtain an organic layer. The organic layer was confirmed to be6-t-butoxyhexane through 1H-NMR. It could be seen from the above6-t-butoxyhexane that Grignard reaction was well performed.Consequently, 6-t-butoxyhexyl magnesium chloride was synthesized.

MeSiCl₃ (500 g) and THF (1 L) were introduced to a reactor, and thetemperature of the reactor was then cooled down to −20° C. The abovesynthesized 6-t-butoxyhexyl magnesium chloride (560 g) was added to thereactor at a rate of 5 mL/min using a feeding pump. After completion ofthe feeding of Grignard reagent, the mixture was stirred for 12 hourswhile slowly raising the temperature of the reactor up to roomtemperature. After the reaction for 12 hours, it was confirmed thatwhite MgCl₂ salt was produced. Hexane (4 L) was added thereto and thesalt was removed through a labdori to give a filtered solution. Thisfiltered solution was added to the reactor, and hexane was then removedat 70° C. to give a liquid having a light yellow color. This liquid wasconfirmed to be the desired compoundmethyl(6-t-butoxyhexyl)dichlorosilane through 1H-NMR.

1H-NMR (CDCl3): 3.3 (t, 2H), 1.5 (m, 3H), 1.3 (m, 5H), 1.2 (s, 9H), 1.1(m, 2H), 0.7 (s, 3H)

Tetramethylcyclopentadiene (1.2 mol, 150 g) and THF (2.4 L) were addedto the reactor and the temperature of the reactor was then cooled downto −20° C. n-BuLi (480 mL) was added to the reactor at a rate of 5mL/min using a feeding pump. After adding n-BuLi, the mixture wasstirred for 12 hours while slowly raising the temperature of the reactorup to room temperature. After the reaction for 12 hours, an equivalentof methyl(6-t-butoxyhexyl)dichlorosilane (326 g, 350 mL) was rapidlyadded to the reactor. The mixture was stirred for 12 hours while slowlyraising the temperature of the reactor up to room temperature. Then, thetemperature of the reactor was cooled to 0° C. again, and twoequivalents of t-BuNH₂ was added. The mixture was stirred for 12 hourswhile slowly raising the temperature of the reactor up to roomtemperature. After the reaction for 12 hours, THF was removed. Hexane (4L) was added and the salt was removed through a labdori to give afiltered solution. This filtered solution was added to the reactoragain, and hexane was removed at 70° C. to give a solution having ayellow color. This yellow solution was confirmed to be the compoundmethyl(6-t-butoxyhexyl)(tetramethylCpH)t-butylaminosilane through1H-NMR.

TiCl₃(THF)₃ (10 mmol) was rapidly added to the dilithium salt of theligand at −78° C., which was synthesized from n-BuLi and liganddimethyl(tetramethylCpH)t-Butylaminosilane in THF solution. While slowlywarming the reaction solution from −78° C. to room temperature, it wasstirred for 12 hours. After stirring for 12 hours, an equivalent ofPbCl₂ (10 mmol) was added to the reaction solution at room temperature,and then stirred for 12 hours. After stirring for 12 hours, the darkblack solution having a blue color was obtained. THF was removed fromthe reaction solution thus obtained before hexane was added and theproduct was filtered. Hexane was removed from the filtered solution, andthen it was confirmed through 1H-NMR to be the desired(tBu-O—(CH₂)₆)(CH₃)Si(C₅(CH₃)₄)(tBu-N)TiCl₂ which is([methyl(6-t-butoxyhexyl)silyl(η5-tetramethylCp)(t-butylamido)]TiCl₂).

1H-NMR (CDCl₃): 3.3 (s, 4H), 2.2 (s, 6H), 2.1 (s, 6H), 1.8˜0.8 (m), 1.4(s, 9H), 1.2 (s, 9H), 0.7 (s, 3H)

Preparation of Hybrid Supported Catalyst Example 1 1-1 Drying of Support

Silica (SYLOPOL 948 manufactured by Grace Davison Co.) was dehydrated ata temperature of 400° C. for 15 hours under vacuum.

1-2 Preparation of Supported Catalyst

The dried silica (10 g) was introduced to a glass reactor to whichtoluene (100 mL) was additionally added and stirred. 10 wt %methylaluminoxane (MAO)/toluene solution (50 mL) was added thereto, andslowly reacted while stirring at 40° C. Thereafter, the reactionsolution was washed with a sufficient amount of toluene to remove anunreacted aluminum compound, and the remaining toluene was removed underreduced pressure. Toluene (100 mL) was added thereto again, to which themetallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol) dissolved intoluene was added together and reacted for 1 hour. After completion ofthe reaction, the metallocene catalyst of Preparative Example 3 (0.25mmol) dissolved in toluene was added and further reacted for 1 hour.After completion of the reaction, the stirring was stopped and thetoluene was removed by layer separation, to which anilinium borate(N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, AB) (1.0 mmol)was added and stirred for 1 hour. Toluene was then removed at 50° C.under reduced pressure to give the supported catalyst.

Example 2

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Example 1, except that the metallocene catalyst of PreparationExample 2 (0.25 mmol) was used instead of the metallocene catalyst ofPreparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol).

Example 3

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Example 1, except that after completion of the reaction of themetallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol) for 1 hour,the metallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 4 (0.25 mmol) wasadditionally reacted for 1 hour, and then the metallocene catalyst ofPreparation Example 3 (0.25 mmol) was reacted.

Example 4

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Example 3, except that the metallocene catalyst of PreparationExample 2 (0.25 mmol) was reacted, instead of the metallocene catalystof Preparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol) first reacted in Example 3.

Example 5

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Example 3, except that, instead of the metallocene catalyst ofPreparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol) first reacted in Example 3, themetallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 2 (0.25 mmol) was firstreacted, the metallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 1 (0.25 mmol)was then used as the second catalyst, and finally the metallocenecatalyst of Preparation Example 3 was used.

Comparative Example 1

The dried silica (10 g) was introduced to a glass reactor to whichtoluene (100 mL) was additionally added and stirred. 10 wt %methylaluminoxane (MAO)/toluene solution (50 mL) was added thereto, andslowly reacted while stirring at 40° C. Thereafter, the reactionsolution was washed with a sufficient amount of toluene to remove anunreacted aluminum compound, and the remaining toluene was removed underreduced pressure. Toluene (100 mL) was added thereto again, to which themetallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 3 (0.25 mmol) dissolved 13in toluene was added together and reacted for 1 hour. After completionof the reaction, toluene was removed at 50° C. under reduced pressure togive the supported catalyst.

Comparative Example 2

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Comparative Example 1, except that the metallocene catalyst ofPreparation Example 4 (0.25 mmol) was used instead of the metallocenecatalyst of Preparation Example 3 (0.25 mmol) first reacted inComparative Example 1.

Comparative Example 3

supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asComparation Example 2, except that after the reaction of the metallocenecatalyst of Preparation Example 4 (0.25 mmol) first reacted inComparative Example 2, the metallocene catalyst of Preparation Example 3(0.25 mmol) was additionally reacted.

Comparative Example 4

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same procedure asin Comparative Example 3, except that anilinium borate(N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate, AB) (1.0 mmol)was added at the final stage.

Experimental Example Copolymerization of Ethylene-1-Hexene

50 mg of each supported catalyst prepared in Examples 1 to 5 andComparative Examples 1 to 4 was weighed in a dry box and introduced to a50 mL glass bottle. The bottle was sealed with a rubber diaphragm andtaken out of the dry box to prepare a catalyst for injection. Thepolymerization was performed in a 2 L metal alloy reactor equipped witha mechanical stirrer and capable of controlling temperature and beingused under high pressure.

1 L of hexane containing 1.0 mmol of triethylaluminum, and 1-hexene (5mL) were introduced to the reactor, and then each of the preparedsupported catalysts was introduced thereto without contact with air.Then, the polymerization was carried out for an hour at 80° C., whilecontinuously providing a gaseous ethylene monomer under a pressure of 9Kgf/cm². The polymerization was terminated by stopping the stirring andthen exhausting the unreacted ethylene.

After most of the polymerization solvent thus obtained was filtered off,the resulting polymer was dried at 80° C. vacuum oven for 4 hours.

The polymerization conditions for the respective catalysts preparedabove, the ethylene/1-hexene polymerization activity, the molecularweight and molecular weight distribution of the polymer obtained areshown in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Metallocene Use of Polymerization Molecular Molecular CatalystCocatalyst Activity Weight Weight (Preparation (Anilinium (kg-PE/ (*10⁴Distribution Section Example No.) Borate) g-Cat.) g/mol) (MWD) Example11/3 ◯ 10.2 32.0 6.3 Example2 2/3 ◯ 9.2 36.0 6.8 Example3 1/4/3 ◯ 8.940.2 5.4 Example4 2/4/3 ◯ 7.8 45.2 5.7 Example5 2/1/3 ◯ 8.2 49.8 6.5Comparative 3 X 3.6 16.7 2.1 Example 1 Comparative 4 X 1.2 113.3 2.2Example 2 Comparative 4/3 X 3.8 20.2 3.4 Example 3 Comparative 4/3 ◯ 7.419.2 3.0 Example 4

Referring to Table 1, it could be seen that Examples 1 to 5 relating tothe hybrid supported catalysts of the present invention included two ormore different types of metallocene compounds, but they could preparethe polymers showing much higher activity, higher molecular weight andbroader molecular weight distribution than those of Comparative Exampleswhich included only a single catalyst or a second metallocene compound.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst which comprises the steps of supporting a first cocatalyst compound on a support; supporting one or more first metallocene compounds represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and one or more second metallocene compounds selected among the compounds represented by the following Chemical Formula 3 to 5 on the support on which the first cocatalyst compound has been supported; and supporting a second cocatalyst compound on the support on which the first cocatalyst compound, the first metallocene compound and the second metallocene compound have been supported:

in Chemical Formula 1, A is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl group, C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group; D is —O—, —S—, —N(R)—, or —Si(R)(R′)—, wherein R and R′ are same as or different from each other and each are independently hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or C₆-C₂₀ aryl group; L is C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkylene group; B is carbon, silicon, or germanium; Q is hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group; M is a Group 4 transition metal; X¹ and X² are same as or different from each other, and each are independently halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, nitro group, amido group, C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, or C₁-C₂₀ sulfonate group; C¹ and C² are same as or different from each other, and each is independently represented by any one of the following Chemical Formula 2a, Chemical Formula 2b or Chemical Formula 2c, provided that both C¹ and C² are not represented by Chemical Formula 2c:

in Chemical Formulae 2a, 2b and 2c, R₁ to R₁₇ and R₁′ to R₉′ are same as or different from each other, and each independently hydrogen, halogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, C₁-C₂₀ silylalkyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxysilyl group, C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, wherein two or more adjacent groups among R₁₀ to R₁₇ may be connected together to form substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic or aromatic ring; (Cp¹R^(a))_(n)(Cp²R^(b))M¹Z¹ _(3-n)  [Chemical Formula 3] in Chemical Formula 3, M¹ is a Group 4 transition metal; Cp¹ and Cp² are same as or different from each other, and each independently any one selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl, and fluorenyl radical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R^(a) and R^(b) are same as or different from each other, and each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl; Z¹ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀ alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy; and n is 1 or 0; (Cp³R^(c))_(m)B¹(Cp⁴R^(d))M²Z² _(3-m)  [Chemical Formula 4] in Chemical Formula 4, M² is a Group 4 transition metal; Cp³ and Cp⁴ are same as or different from each other, and each independently any one selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenyl radical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R^(c) and R^(d) are same as or different from each other, and each independently hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl; Z² is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀ alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy; B¹ is one or more selected among the radicals containing carbon, germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslink Cp³R^(c) ring to Cp⁴R^(d) ring or crosslink one Cp⁴R^(d) ring to M², combinations thereof; and m is 1 or 0; (Cp⁵R^(e))B²(J)M³Z³ ₂  [Chemical Formula 5] in Chemical Formula 5, M³ is a Group 4 transition metal; Cp⁵ is any one selected from the group consisting of cyclopentadienyl, indenyl, 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1-indenyl and fluorenyl radical, each of which may be substituted by hydrocarbon having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R^(e) is hydrogen, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₁-C₁₀ alkoxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, C₆-C₁₀ aryloxy, C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₈-C₄₀ arylalkenyl, or C₂-C₁₀ alkinyl; Z³ is halogen atom, C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, C₂-C₁₀ alkenyl, C₇-C₄₀ alkylaryl, C₇-C₄₀ arylalkyl, C₆-C₂₀ aryl, substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylidene, substituted or unsubstituted amino group, C₂-C₂₀ alkylalkoxy, or C₇-C₄₀ arylalkoxy; B² is one or more selected among the radicals containing carbon, germanium, silicon, phosphorous or nitrogen atom, which crosslink Cp⁵R^(e) ring to J, or combinations thereof, and J is any one selected from the group consisting of NR^(f), O, PR^(f) and S, wherein R^(f) is C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, aryl, substituted alkyl or substituted aryl.
 2. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein R₁ to R₁₇ and R₁′ to R₉′ in Chemical Formulae 2a, 2b and 2c are each independently hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, phenyl group, halogen group, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, tripropylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group, triisopropylsilyl group, trimethylsilylmethyl group, methoxy group, or ethoxy group.
 3. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein L in Chemical Formula 1 is C₄-C₈ linear or branched alkylene group.
 4. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein A in Chemical Formula 1 is hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, methoxymethyl group, tert-butoxymethyl group, 1-ethoxyethyl group, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl group, tetrahydropyranyl group, or tetrahydrofuranyl group.
 5. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the first metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 is one of the compounds of the following structural formulae:


6. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the second metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 is one of the compounds of the following structural formulae:


7. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the second metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 4 is one of the compounds of the following structural formulae:


8. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the second metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 5 is one of the compounds of the following structural formulae:


9. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the first cocatalyst compound is represented by the following Chemical Formula 6 and the second cocatalyst compound is represented by the following Chemical Formula 7: —[Al(R₁₈)—O—]_(k)—  [Chemical Formula 6] in Chemical Formula 6, R₁₈ is independently halogen, or unsubstituted or halogen-substituted hydrocarbyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and k is an integer of 2 or more, T⁺[BG₄]⁻  [Chemical Formula 7] in Chemical Formula 7, T⁺ is a monovalent polyatomic ion, B is boron in an oxidation state of +3, and G is independently selected by the group consisting of hydride group, dialkylamido group, halide group, alkoxide group, aryloxide group, hydrocarbyl group, halocarbyl group and halo-substituted hydrocarbyl group, wherein G has less than 20 carbon atoms, provided that G is halide group at one or less position.
 10. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of the transition metal in the first metallocene compound and the second metallocene compound to the support is 1:10 to 1:1,000.
 11. The method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst according to claim 1 wherein the weight ratio of the cocatalyst compound to the support is 1:1 to 1:100. 